Cardinal Marco Cé, Patriarch emeritus of Venice, Italy, born on July 8, 1925 in Izano, province of Cremona (Crema diocese), is from a modest farming family. He had a classical education at the Diocesan Seminary, earning his secondary diploma at the liceo "A.Verri" of Lodi.
He then did his theological studies in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University and at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, where he received a doctorate in dogmatic theology and a licentiate in Sacred Scripture.
After his ordination on March 27, 1948, he returned to his diocese and became vice-rector of the seminary and taught Sacred Scripture. In 1957, he was named rector of the seminary, still continuing to teach. At the same time he headed the diocesan liturgical commission and followed closely the actualization of the new liturgy in his diocese. In addition, Mons. Cé dedicated himself to preaching spiritual retreats for the youth of Catholic Action and spiritual exercises to the clergy.
On April 22, 1970, Paul VI appointed him Bishop, assigning him to the titular Church of Vulturia. He was named Auxiliary Bishop of Cardinal Antonio Poma responsible for the Diocese of Bologna. The ceremony of episcopal ordination took place on Pentecost, May 17, 1970 in the Cathedral of Crema.
Mons. Cé fulfilled his episcopal duties with intelligence and warmth. He was attentive to the careful proclamation of the Word of god, the catechesis of youth, the liturgy, the formation of future priests, as well as the young laity, to forming a communion with priests and religious, and to taking an interest in their apostolate. He was particularly involved with the construction and development of the church dedicated to the Vergine di S. Luca, in Borgo Panigale. Mons. Cé also followed closely the work that the priests and laity of Bologna undertook in Tanzania, visiting the liturgical mission there.
After spending six years in Bologna, April 30, 1976, Paul VI named him the Chaplain to Catholic Action, succeeding Mons. Luigi Maverna who was made Secretary General of CEI. In Catholic Action, Mons. Cé used all his valuable pastoral, spiritual and cultural experience acquired during his diocesan activity. He dedicated his energies to the association up until the death of Pope Luciani, when on December 7, 1978, John Paul II asked him to take on the Patriarchate of Venice.
Patriarch emeritus of Venice, January 5, 2002.
Created and proclaimed Cardinal by John Paul II in the consistory of June 30, 1979, of the Title of S. Marco (St. Mark).
